Nursing Negligence: There May Very Well Be A Correlation Between Understaffed Hospitals and Nursing Errors

In Florida, nurses are licensed and regulated by the Florida Board of Nursing, a division of the Florida Board of Health. In 2016, there were almost 300,000 Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses in the Florida:

238,209 – Registered Nurses (RN)

59,868 – Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

298,077 – Total Professionally Active Nurses

Despite these numbers, The Florida Center of Nursing reports a shortage of an estimated 12,493 RN positions in the state. Further, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth rate between 2014 and 2024, “... much faster than the average for all occupations.” It has been suggested that Florida is experiencing a nursing crisis. There may very well be a correlation between understaffed hospitals and nursing errors.

Examples of Nursing Errors Leading to Patient Injuries and Deaths

Nursing errors are all too common, often resulting in harm, injury, or death. Common nursing errors include, but are not limited to the following:

Communication errors – not communicating status of patient; not notifying next shift; discharging patient without informing medical provider or caretaker

Failing to follow the doctor’s medical orders

Improper use of medical equipment or not knowing how to operate equipment

Not adhering to hospital protocols or general procedures

Failing to communicate patient’s symptoms to physician or supervisor

Ignoring patient’s symptoms

Not responding to patient’s calls for help

Inattentive nurse

Nurses Have a Duty to Adhere to Professional Standard of Care

A nurse has a duty to provide professional treatment – treatment that a skilled, reasonable nurse would have or should have provided under the same or similar circumstances. When a nurse fails to adhere to the standard of care either by act or omission, resulting in harm or death to the patient, medical malpractice may likely have occurred.

Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo has more than 23 years of experience representing victims of negligence, including victims of nursing negligence. If you were harmed by the negligence of a nurse, either alone or in conjunction with other medical professionals, you may pursue compensation for your injuries in a medical malpractice lawsuit. If a loved one lost their life, legal heirs may pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Nursing Malpractice May Involve Multiple Defendants

Medical malpractice cases may involve multiple defendants. In addition to the nurse, the nurse’s employer or employers often share liability. For example:

Emergency transport, EMT

Emergency room

Hospital

Physicians

Specialists, consultants

Other nurses and medical personnel

Medical center

Doctor’s office

Medical equipment company, manufacturers

Drug manufacturers

Technicians

Others – please discuss with Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo

Compensatory Damages for Victims of Nursing Malpractice in Miami-Dade and Florida

Every case is unique and the type and amount of compensation depends on the particular circumstances involved. When you discuss your case with Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo, he will explain the different types of damages as they may apply to you. Damages are proscribed in Sec. 766.202, Florida Statutes, and include medical expenses, wage loss and loss of earning capacity. Noneconomic damages refers to nonfinancial losses and includes pain and suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, and more.

In cases where the negligent party’s conduct was extreme, reckless, or otherwise egregious, punitive damages may be pursued. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer for their extreme conduct.

When a Loved One Lost Their Life as a Result of Nursing Negligence

The surviving legal heirs may pursue compensation for their loved one’s death. This may include lost support and services, the value of future lost support and services, loss of companionship, pain and suffering (mental anguish), medical and funeral expenses and more, as proscribed in Florida Statute 768.21. The statutes are extremely complex and it is highly advisable to obtain the legal counsel and representation of a highly experienced and knowledgeable negligence and medical malpractice attorney.

The Law Offices of Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A., Represents Victims of Nursing Negligence

Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo and his team of attorneys zealously pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible. There are no legal fees unless Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo resolves your case either through a settlement or court award.

You can reach Miami Nursing Negligence and Medical Malpractice Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email J.P. directly at [email protected].

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